LONDON: Manchester City’s appeal over more than 100 allegations of breaches of Premier League financial rules is expected to be heard by next January, according to the chairman of England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR), David Kogan.
City, who have repeatedly insisted they are innocent, are still awaiting a decision on the case, which could lead to serious punishment if found guilty.
The club currently leads the EPL table with a record of six wins from six matches after beating Liverpool 3-0 last weekend.
So far, no punishment has been announced for City, but the club faces the possibility of a massive points deduction that could lead to relegation, and there is even speculation they could be stripped of the three EPL titles they won between 2009 and 2018.
Kogan said the appeal process was expected to take about 12 weeks, sparking expectations that the proceedings would take place in mid- or late January.
“The EPL has stated that they want this matter to be resolved within this season. However, the proceedings are not being handled by the EPL itself, but rather by an independent commission made up of three former judges or lawyers,” he told Times Radio.
He explained that the process was subject to established procedures, but stressed that no decision should be made until the proceedings were completed.
Yesterday, Kogan also stressed his willingness to resign if there was political interference in any future IFR investigation involving City.
The statement came after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham received criticism following his statement that he would be ‘really concerned’ if City’s Abu Dhabi owners left the club following the verdict in the case.
The Prime Minister’s Office then clarified the government’s stance by emphasizing that no party is above the law or regulations.
Burnham, who was Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to June 2026, later published records of his dealings with City management.
Kogan stressed that the IFR has never received any interference since the regulatory body was established a year ago.
“We cannot, when regulating football, be subject to political interference in decisions regarding owners, directors or other matters,” he said.